Paris Plage: The Urban Beach Getaway in the Heart of Paris
Paris Plage: The Urban Beach Getaway in the Heart of Paris
The Origins of Paris Plage
Paris Plage (literally "Paris Beach") began as a bold experiment. In 2002, then-Mayor Bertrand Delanoë introduced the concept as a way to bring summer recreation to Parisians who couldn’t leave the city for vacation. The idea was simple yet revolutionary: transform stretches of the Seine riverbanks into temporary beaches, complete with sand, palm trees, beach chairs, misting stations, and games.
What started as a single stretch along the Right Bank of the Seine quickly grew in popularity. Today, Paris Plage is an essential part of the Parisian summer calendar, drawing locals and tourists alike to enjoy its free, fun, and family-friendly atmosphere.
What to Expect from Paris Plage in 2025
This year, Paris Plage runs from early July through late August, and it's expected to be more vibrant than ever—especially with the 2024 Olympics still fresh in public memory and summer tourism booming.
There are two main locations for Paris Plage:
Parc Rives de Seine – Stretching along the Right Bank of the Seine, from the Louvre to the Hôtel de Ville. This is the classic Paris Plage setting, and where the beach experience comes alive.
La Villette Basin (Bassin de la Villette) – Located in the 19th arrondissement, this area features a wide array of water-based activities and is especially popular with families.
Activities for Tourists and Locals
Whether you’re a sun-seeker, a culture lover, or traveling with kids, Paris Plage offers a variety of engaging activities:
Beach Lounging – Sand and deck chairs line the riverbank, making it easy to grab a book or just soak in the sun with views of Notre-Dame in the distance.
Water Sports – At Bassin de la Villette, you’ll find kayaking, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboarding, and mini-sailboats—all free!
Swimming Areas – The floating pools at La Villette are a hit during hot days and include lifeguarded swimming zones.
Free Concerts & Cultural Events – Look out for evening music performances, dance shows, and movie screenings along the Seine.
Kids’ Activities – Rock climbing walls, trampolines, storytelling sessions, and workshops ensure that the little ones are never bored.
Games & Relaxation – Ping-pong tables, pétanque courts, board games, and book lending stations are dotted throughout the site.
Food and Refreshments
You’ll find plenty of food kiosks, ice cream stands, and refreshment carts at both sites. Whether you're craving a cold crêpe, fresh juice, or even a chilled glass of rosé, the culinary offerings at Paris Plage are designed for casual summer snacking.
See Paris Plage with StellarTours
If you’re visiting Paris for the first time—or even the fifth—there’s no better way to explore the city's layered history and hidden gems than with a private walking tour of the city center, led by one of StellarTours' expert guides.
Our guides are passionate local historians and storytellers who bring Paris to life. When you walk with StellarTours through neighborhoods like the Marais, Île de la Cité, or along the Seine, you’ll encounter the Paris Plage event from above. Even if you don’t venture down to the water’s edge, your guide will point out key features, explain the history and significance of Paris Plage, and give you insight into how the event reflects the evolving spirit of the city.
For example, you’ll learn how the transformation of highways into pedestrian riverbanks was part of a larger initiative to reclaim space for the people. You’ll also discover fun facts—like how many tons of sand are brought in, or how Parisians reacted when the first beach umbrellas appeared in front of historic monuments.
It’s just one of the many surprising elements you’ll encounter on a StellarTours experience.
A Modern Tradition in a Historic City
What makes Paris Plage so special is its ability to combine leisure with legacy. It's a perfect example of how Paris balances its rich history with modern innovation. The beaches may be temporary, but the joy they bring is lasting.
So whether you're wading in a floating pool at La Villette, sipping iced coffee with your toes in the sand near Pont Neuf, or hearing the story of Paris Plage from your StellarTours guide as you gaze down at the festive scene—you're witnessing one of the city’s most charming seasonal traditions.
Plan your trip to Paris this summer and experience the magic of Paris Plage for yourself—because there's nothing quite like sunbathing beside the Seine.